Amorphous-Core Transformer with Copper Winding Versus Aluminium Winding-A Comparative Study

Amorphous core transformers are in developing stage; they are considered as energy efficient transformers. Cost of amorphous core transformer is about 20 to 30 per cent higher than that of a conventional transformer of same KVA rating. Among several parameters, cost of winding material is a parameter, on which cost of a transformer depends. In a transformer, the cost of winding material may be up to 28 per cent of overall cost of a transformer. Cost of a transformer may be reduced if aluminum winding is adopted in place of copper winding; aluminum is lighter in weight and cheaper in price, compared to copper winding. Here, a comparative study is presented for an amorphous core transformer with copper winding versus aluminum winding, in terms of cost efficiency and mechanical forces. It has been found that, if aluminum winding is adopted for 400KVA amorphous core transformer, the cost reduces, efficiency improves and mechanical forces also remain within limit. Keyword: Copper, aluminum, transformer winding.